Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels in Vancouver

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A new six story apartment building in Vancouver featuring a clean, modern design.

The application for a new C-2A district was approved by Council at Public Hearing on May 5, 2026.

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The City of Vancouver is proposing zoning changes to make it easier to build rental homes and small hotels along major arterials and in more neighbourhoods. These proposed changes align with the Vancouver Plan’s goal of equitable housing and complete neighbourhoods. They are designed to help more people find housing, offer a wider variety of places to live and stay near transit and amenities across the city, and make the building process simpler and faster so that more housing can be built.

The proposed changes focus on C-2 (commercial mixed-use) and RR (residential rental) zoning.

Proposed C-2A district (low-rise mixed-use) will

  • Rezone approximately 2,400 parcels across four C-2 type zones (C-2, C-2B, C-2C and C-2C1) into a new, simplified C-2A district.

  • Allow 6-storey rental buildings and hotels along major arterials in more areas. This would make the approval process for rental housing faster, simpler and more predictable by removing the need for individual site-by-site rezoning applications.

  • Most sites within C-2 type zones already allow 6-storey rental buildings. The update will bring most remaining sites into alignment.

  • Introduce more flexible design options to support a smoother permitting process for different types of projects, including low-rise mixed-use buildings and low-rise hotels.

  • Require ground floor commercial space in key areas while providing exceptions for “locked-in lots” where commercial uses cannot be accommodated (i.e., lots that are too small to provide functional commercial space and cannot be combined with adjacent lots due to recent re-development next door)

Proposed changes to RR type zones (Residential rental) will

  • In fully residential rental developments, allow 6-storey market rental apartment buildings without below-market rental requirements.

  • In mixed- use residential rental development, provide flexibility by reducing or removing below-market rental requirements where not financially feasible.

These changes are part of the City’s broader Housing Vancouver Strategy, which prioritizes secure rental housing and geographic equity in housing supply. Public input will inform final recommendations to Council in Q2 2026.

The application for a new C-2A district was approved by Council at Public Hearing on May 5, 2026.

简体中文

The City of Vancouver is proposing zoning changes to make it easier to build rental homes and small hotels along major arterials and in more neighbourhoods. These proposed changes align with the Vancouver Plan’s goal of equitable housing and complete neighbourhoods. They are designed to help more people find housing, offer a wider variety of places to live and stay near transit and amenities across the city, and make the building process simpler and faster so that more housing can be built.

The proposed changes focus on C-2 (commercial mixed-use) and RR (residential rental) zoning.

Proposed C-2A district (low-rise mixed-use) will

  • Rezone approximately 2,400 parcels across four C-2 type zones (C-2, C-2B, C-2C and C-2C1) into a new, simplified C-2A district.

  • Allow 6-storey rental buildings and hotels along major arterials in more areas. This would make the approval process for rental housing faster, simpler and more predictable by removing the need for individual site-by-site rezoning applications.

  • Most sites within C-2 type zones already allow 6-storey rental buildings. The update will bring most remaining sites into alignment.

  • Introduce more flexible design options to support a smoother permitting process for different types of projects, including low-rise mixed-use buildings and low-rise hotels.

  • Require ground floor commercial space in key areas while providing exceptions for “locked-in lots” where commercial uses cannot be accommodated (i.e., lots that are too small to provide functional commercial space and cannot be combined with adjacent lots due to recent re-development next door)

Proposed changes to RR type zones (Residential rental) will

  • In fully residential rental developments, allow 6-storey market rental apartment buildings without below-market rental requirements.

  • In mixed- use residential rental development, provide flexibility by reducing or removing below-market rental requirements where not financially feasible.

These changes are part of the City’s broader Housing Vancouver Strategy, which prioritizes secure rental housing and geographic equity in housing supply. Public input will inform final recommendations to Council in Q2 2026.

The Q&A period has concluded. Thank you for participating.

The opportunity to ask questions through the Q&A is available from November 27 to January 5, 2026. 

We post all questions as-is and aim to respond within two business days. Some questions may require coordination with internal departments and additional time may be needed to post a response.

Please note that the comment form will remain open after the Q&A period. The Rezoning Planner can also be contacted directly for any further feedback or questions.

  • Share What are the minimum frontage requirements in the new C-2 sub zone? Is this policy designed in anticipation of building codes being updated to allow single stair egress? This would reduce the need for land assembly which reduces costs and allow more housing to be built. Also, why are the measures to improve feasibility featured in this rezoning proposal not being considered for all 6 story development locations across the city including in the new village areas? on Facebook Share What are the minimum frontage requirements in the new C-2 sub zone? Is this policy designed in anticipation of building codes being updated to allow single stair egress? This would reduce the need for land assembly which reduces costs and allow more housing to be built. Also, why are the measures to improve feasibility featured in this rezoning proposal not being considered for all 6 story development locations across the city including in the new village areas? on Twitter Share What are the minimum frontage requirements in the new C-2 sub zone? Is this policy designed in anticipation of building codes being updated to allow single stair egress? This would reduce the need for land assembly which reduces costs and allow more housing to be built. Also, why are the measures to improve feasibility featured in this rezoning proposal not being considered for all 6 story development locations across the city including in the new village areas? on Linkedin Email What are the minimum frontage requirements in the new C-2 sub zone? Is this policy designed in anticipation of building codes being updated to allow single stair egress? This would reduce the need for land assembly which reduces costs and allow more housing to be built. Also, why are the measures to improve feasibility featured in this rezoning proposal not being considered for all 6 story development locations across the city including in the new village areas? link

    What are the minimum frontage requirements in the new C-2 sub zone? Is this policy designed in anticipation of building codes being updated to allow single stair egress? This would reduce the need for land assembly which reduces costs and allow more housing to be built. Also, why are the measures to improve feasibility featured in this rezoning proposal not being considered for all 6 story development locations across the city including in the new village areas?

    hkoyote asked 6 months ago

    At this time, there is only a minimum frontage requirement in the new C-2 subzone for corner sites using the 3.7 FSR. In these cases, the minimum frontage is proposed as 45.7m, consistent with existing C-2 type zones.
    The proposed new C-2 subzone maintains an additional 0.05 FSR for exterior circulation above the first storey, which is already present in the C-2 District Schedule, and can be used to support alternate egress designs.
    The City's Villages planning program is currently underway and exploring opportunities for 6-storey apartments and mixed-use buildings. Where applicable, the work done in this project will help support planning in Villages.

  • Share which streets are designated for construction in C type zones? on Facebook Share which streets are designated for construction in C type zones? on Twitter Share which streets are designated for construction in C type zones? on Linkedin Email which streets are designated for construction in C type zones? link

    which streets are designated for construction in C type zones?

    west 42nd and Arbutus asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. A new detailed map has been posted to the main project webpage. Please email housingpolicy@vancouver.ca if you have questions about a specific property.

  • Share Hi, My last question: 'How do you ensure the neighbourhood remains similarly safe and secure as the neighbourhood currently is with the introduction of this zoning change? Does this include or exclude short term rentals? Our strata building has had very negative experiences with short-term rentals via AirBnB and I'd love to know your plan around this. I read the "Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels" pdf. How do you ensure long-term rental? ' Your response: Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) in the City of Vancouver require a short-term rental licence. These short-term rental regulations help protect long-term rental housing and allow residents to earn additional income. More information on the eligibility for these licenses is available here: Short-term rental business licence | City of Vancouver The residential rental units built in RR or C-2 zones are part of the city's Secured Rental Policy, requiring 100% of residential rental housing units secured as rental for 60 years or life of the building. The residential units in RR zones are exclusively rental. In C-2 zones, this proposal encourages rental housing through increased allowable density. Creating and protecting purpose-built rental housing | City of Vancouver My new question: How do short-term rentals get audited and how does the city enforce the compliance of its constituents? Thank you. Regards, Dominic on Facebook Share Hi, My last question: 'How do you ensure the neighbourhood remains similarly safe and secure as the neighbourhood currently is with the introduction of this zoning change? Does this include or exclude short term rentals? Our strata building has had very negative experiences with short-term rentals via AirBnB and I'd love to know your plan around this. I read the "Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels" pdf. How do you ensure long-term rental? ' Your response: Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) in the City of Vancouver require a short-term rental licence. These short-term rental regulations help protect long-term rental housing and allow residents to earn additional income. More information on the eligibility for these licenses is available here: Short-term rental business licence | City of Vancouver The residential rental units built in RR or C-2 zones are part of the city's Secured Rental Policy, requiring 100% of residential rental housing units secured as rental for 60 years or life of the building. The residential units in RR zones are exclusively rental. In C-2 zones, this proposal encourages rental housing through increased allowable density. Creating and protecting purpose-built rental housing | City of Vancouver My new question: How do short-term rentals get audited and how does the city enforce the compliance of its constituents? Thank you. Regards, Dominic on Twitter Share Hi, My last question: 'How do you ensure the neighbourhood remains similarly safe and secure as the neighbourhood currently is with the introduction of this zoning change? Does this include or exclude short term rentals? Our strata building has had very negative experiences with short-term rentals via AirBnB and I'd love to know your plan around this. I read the "Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels" pdf. How do you ensure long-term rental? ' Your response: Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) in the City of Vancouver require a short-term rental licence. These short-term rental regulations help protect long-term rental housing and allow residents to earn additional income. More information on the eligibility for these licenses is available here: Short-term rental business licence | City of Vancouver The residential rental units built in RR or C-2 zones are part of the city's Secured Rental Policy, requiring 100% of residential rental housing units secured as rental for 60 years or life of the building. The residential units in RR zones are exclusively rental. In C-2 zones, this proposal encourages rental housing through increased allowable density. Creating and protecting purpose-built rental housing | City of Vancouver My new question: How do short-term rentals get audited and how does the city enforce the compliance of its constituents? Thank you. Regards, Dominic on Linkedin Email Hi, My last question: 'How do you ensure the neighbourhood remains similarly safe and secure as the neighbourhood currently is with the introduction of this zoning change? Does this include or exclude short term rentals? Our strata building has had very negative experiences with short-term rentals via AirBnB and I'd love to know your plan around this. I read the "Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels" pdf. How do you ensure long-term rental? ' Your response: Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) in the City of Vancouver require a short-term rental licence. These short-term rental regulations help protect long-term rental housing and allow residents to earn additional income. More information on the eligibility for these licenses is available here: Short-term rental business licence | City of Vancouver The residential rental units built in RR or C-2 zones are part of the city's Secured Rental Policy, requiring 100% of residential rental housing units secured as rental for 60 years or life of the building. The residential units in RR zones are exclusively rental. In C-2 zones, this proposal encourages rental housing through increased allowable density. Creating and protecting purpose-built rental housing | City of Vancouver My new question: How do short-term rentals get audited and how does the city enforce the compliance of its constituents? Thank you. Regards, Dominic link

    Hi, My last question: 'How do you ensure the neighbourhood remains similarly safe and secure as the neighbourhood currently is with the introduction of this zoning change? Does this include or exclude short term rentals? Our strata building has had very negative experiences with short-term rentals via AirBnB and I'd love to know your plan around this. I read the "Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels" pdf. How do you ensure long-term rental? ' Your response: Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) in the City of Vancouver require a short-term rental licence. These short-term rental regulations help protect long-term rental housing and allow residents to earn additional income. More information on the eligibility for these licenses is available here: Short-term rental business licence | City of Vancouver The residential rental units built in RR or C-2 zones are part of the city's Secured Rental Policy, requiring 100% of residential rental housing units secured as rental for 60 years or life of the building. The residential units in RR zones are exclusively rental. In C-2 zones, this proposal encourages rental housing through increased allowable density. Creating and protecting purpose-built rental housing | City of Vancouver My new question: How do short-term rentals get audited and how does the city enforce the compliance of its constituents? Thank you. Regards, Dominic

    Dominic Ng asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The city uses a variety of tools to keep rental compliant with the short-term rental rules. Compliance is actively monitored and encouraged through education, and escalation tools such as fines, suspensions, or legal actions are used as needed. 

    I encourage you to use this form to ask specific questions of short-term rental in the city, as they're out of the scope of the project: van311.ca/services/short-term-rental-question

  • Share Hello, could you please provide me a more detailed proposed New C-2 Subzone Map. Thank you. on Facebook Share Hello, could you please provide me a more detailed proposed New C-2 Subzone Map. Thank you. on Twitter Share Hello, could you please provide me a more detailed proposed New C-2 Subzone Map. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hello, could you please provide me a more detailed proposed New C-2 Subzone Map. Thank you. link

    Hello, could you please provide me a more detailed proposed New C-2 Subzone Map. Thank you.

    Luu asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. A new detailed map has been posted to the main project webpage. Please email housingpolicy@vancouver.ca if you have questions about a specific property.

    Documents | Fast-tracking rental housing and small hotels in Vancouver | Shape Your City Vancouver 

  • Share Would it be possible for the city to provide a map showing the 30% of C-2 sites that are not included in the proposed new subzone? on Facebook Share Would it be possible for the city to provide a map showing the 30% of C-2 sites that are not included in the proposed new subzone? on Twitter Share Would it be possible for the city to provide a map showing the 30% of C-2 sites that are not included in the proposed new subzone? on Linkedin Email Would it be possible for the city to provide a map showing the 30% of C-2 sites that are not included in the proposed new subzone? link

    Would it be possible for the city to provide a map showing the 30% of C-2 sites that are not included in the proposed new subzone?

    Tavia asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your question. This detailed map shows the proposed new C-2 subzone (teal) along with the parcels that are proposed to stay in C-2, C-2C and C-2C1 (red, orange and yellow). Proposed C-2 Type Zones - Detailed Map

  • Share How will the urban forestry strategy of 30% canopy realistically be met if you keep letting investors and builders pave over the city? My area is 22% and falling. I’ve seen these 4-6 storey built forms breaking ground in every direction of me and witnessed 60-100 trees be felled. 40% is what is needed for the warming climate that we face. It is your job at the city to plan for a safe livable future for residents, not just rooms for tourist at the expense of nature. Please make better plans, it is possible, you can do better, I believe you can bring affordable family living to Vancouver. Please protect nature and our Mother can continue to hold us all. Stop hurting hundreds of people with reckless bad planning. on Facebook Share How will the urban forestry strategy of 30% canopy realistically be met if you keep letting investors and builders pave over the city? My area is 22% and falling. I’ve seen these 4-6 storey built forms breaking ground in every direction of me and witnessed 60-100 trees be felled. 40% is what is needed for the warming climate that we face. It is your job at the city to plan for a safe livable future for residents, not just rooms for tourist at the expense of nature. Please make better plans, it is possible, you can do better, I believe you can bring affordable family living to Vancouver. Please protect nature and our Mother can continue to hold us all. Stop hurting hundreds of people with reckless bad planning. on Twitter Share How will the urban forestry strategy of 30% canopy realistically be met if you keep letting investors and builders pave over the city? My area is 22% and falling. I’ve seen these 4-6 storey built forms breaking ground in every direction of me and witnessed 60-100 trees be felled. 40% is what is needed for the warming climate that we face. It is your job at the city to plan for a safe livable future for residents, not just rooms for tourist at the expense of nature. Please make better plans, it is possible, you can do better, I believe you can bring affordable family living to Vancouver. Please protect nature and our Mother can continue to hold us all. Stop hurting hundreds of people with reckless bad planning. on Linkedin Email How will the urban forestry strategy of 30% canopy realistically be met if you keep letting investors and builders pave over the city? My area is 22% and falling. I’ve seen these 4-6 storey built forms breaking ground in every direction of me and witnessed 60-100 trees be felled. 40% is what is needed for the warming climate that we face. It is your job at the city to plan for a safe livable future for residents, not just rooms for tourist at the expense of nature. Please make better plans, it is possible, you can do better, I believe you can bring affordable family living to Vancouver. Please protect nature and our Mother can continue to hold us all. Stop hurting hundreds of people with reckless bad planning. link

    How will the urban forestry strategy of 30% canopy realistically be met if you keep letting investors and builders pave over the city? My area is 22% and falling. I’ve seen these 4-6 storey built forms breaking ground in every direction of me and witnessed 60-100 trees be felled. 40% is what is needed for the warming climate that we face. It is your job at the city to plan for a safe livable future for residents, not just rooms for tourist at the expense of nature. Please make better plans, it is possible, you can do better, I believe you can bring affordable family living to Vancouver. Please protect nature and our Mother can continue to hold us all. Stop hurting hundreds of people with reckless bad planning.

    Sarah Macleod asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your question and comments. Protection of trees on private property is regulated by the City's Protection of Trees By-law. In general, property owners must evaluate existing trees prior to construction and explore options for retention. Property owners may be granted permission to remove trees if certain conditions apply. For example, a tree may be dying or hazardous, or may be located within the proposed building envelope. If trees must be removed, property owners may need to provide replacement trees. The By-law also includes requirements during construction, such as protection barriers (Section 7), as well as enforcement (Section 11). The City continues to focus on ways to improve growing conditions for replacement trees when removals are unavoidable, such as reducing underground parkade structures so roots can access larger soil volumes. 

    Street trees are the property of the City and the care, condition and management of street trees is regulated by Vancouver Park's board under the Street Trees Bylaw. This City continues to look for ways to improve the street canopy on city streets and in parks.
  • Share If we have submitted a RR rezoning application under the former SRP policy, do we have to wait until Council approval (April 2026) to amend it under the proposed updates? on Facebook Share If we have submitted a RR rezoning application under the former SRP policy, do we have to wait until Council approval (April 2026) to amend it under the proposed updates? on Twitter Share If we have submitted a RR rezoning application under the former SRP policy, do we have to wait until Council approval (April 2026) to amend it under the proposed updates? on Linkedin Email If we have submitted a RR rezoning application under the former SRP policy, do we have to wait until Council approval (April 2026) to amend it under the proposed updates? link

    If we have submitted a RR rezoning application under the former SRP policy, do we have to wait until Council approval (April 2026) to amend it under the proposed updates?

    Jonathan Lai asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. As this is still in the public engagement phase and we are drafting the proposed district schedules, more information will be provided to applicants on next steps for these proposed changes as we get closer to Council. However, any amendments would need to wait until after Council (currently scheduled for April 2026), when the proposed changes would go into effect.

  • Share Why would the city offer boutique hotels and housing and at the same time even accept a rezoning application from a developer to rezone the Rosellen at 2030-2038 Barclay St, a 4 storey/30 suite short stay to a 27 floor/292 room commercial hotel, with a bar and restaurant at the top and restaurant/retail at the bottom, across the street from Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park, with a back entrance on a highly used one-way-in/one-way-out dead end lane, next to a daycare, the heron nests, smack fab in a residential neighbourhood. This doesn’t make any sense? on Facebook Share Why would the city offer boutique hotels and housing and at the same time even accept a rezoning application from a developer to rezone the Rosellen at 2030-2038 Barclay St, a 4 storey/30 suite short stay to a 27 floor/292 room commercial hotel, with a bar and restaurant at the top and restaurant/retail at the bottom, across the street from Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park, with a back entrance on a highly used one-way-in/one-way-out dead end lane, next to a daycare, the heron nests, smack fab in a residential neighbourhood. This doesn’t make any sense? on Twitter Share Why would the city offer boutique hotels and housing and at the same time even accept a rezoning application from a developer to rezone the Rosellen at 2030-2038 Barclay St, a 4 storey/30 suite short stay to a 27 floor/292 room commercial hotel, with a bar and restaurant at the top and restaurant/retail at the bottom, across the street from Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park, with a back entrance on a highly used one-way-in/one-way-out dead end lane, next to a daycare, the heron nests, smack fab in a residential neighbourhood. This doesn’t make any sense? on Linkedin Email Why would the city offer boutique hotels and housing and at the same time even accept a rezoning application from a developer to rezone the Rosellen at 2030-2038 Barclay St, a 4 storey/30 suite short stay to a 27 floor/292 room commercial hotel, with a bar and restaurant at the top and restaurant/retail at the bottom, across the street from Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park, with a back entrance on a highly used one-way-in/one-way-out dead end lane, next to a daycare, the heron nests, smack fab in a residential neighbourhood. This doesn’t make any sense? link

    Why would the city offer boutique hotels and housing and at the same time even accept a rezoning application from a developer to rezone the Rosellen at 2030-2038 Barclay St, a 4 storey/30 suite short stay to a 27 floor/292 room commercial hotel, with a bar and restaurant at the top and restaurant/retail at the bottom, across the street from Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park, with a back entrance on a highly used one-way-in/one-way-out dead end lane, next to a daycare, the heron nests, smack fab in a residential neighbourhood. This doesn’t make any sense?

    maureenwilson asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The project at 2030-2038 Barclay St is out of scope of the proposed "Fast-Tracking Rental Housing and Small Hotels in Vancouver" project. 

    More information, including a contact for questions, is available on Shape Your City: 2030-2038 Barclay St rezoning application | Shape Your City Vancouver


  • Share Define low rise Hotel? Has the proper research been conducted. on Facebook Share Define low rise Hotel? Has the proper research been conducted. on Twitter Share Define low rise Hotel? Has the proper research been conducted. on Linkedin Email Define low rise Hotel? Has the proper research been conducted. link

    Define low rise Hotel? Has the proper research been conducted.

    Linda McGrath asked 5 months ago

    Low-rise hotels are defined as up to 3.5-3.7 FSR, dependent on site conditions. The densities proposed in this project for C-2 type zones are based on feasibility testing of both site design and financial aspects.

  • Share Will the new buildings have improved noise-cancelling windows, as well as central heating integrated into the design? Also, will the new apartments and hotels have modern air conditioning, and floor heating to replace the chunky radiators and baseboard heaters? It would also be nice if rooftop access is confirmed for these new buildings. on Facebook Share Will the new buildings have improved noise-cancelling windows, as well as central heating integrated into the design? Also, will the new apartments and hotels have modern air conditioning, and floor heating to replace the chunky radiators and baseboard heaters? It would also be nice if rooftop access is confirmed for these new buildings. on Twitter Share Will the new buildings have improved noise-cancelling windows, as well as central heating integrated into the design? Also, will the new apartments and hotels have modern air conditioning, and floor heating to replace the chunky radiators and baseboard heaters? It would also be nice if rooftop access is confirmed for these new buildings. on Linkedin Email Will the new buildings have improved noise-cancelling windows, as well as central heating integrated into the design? Also, will the new apartments and hotels have modern air conditioning, and floor heating to replace the chunky radiators and baseboard heaters? It would also be nice if rooftop access is confirmed for these new buildings. link

    Will the new buildings have improved noise-cancelling windows, as well as central heating integrated into the design? Also, will the new apartments and hotels have modern air conditioning, and floor heating to replace the chunky radiators and baseboard heaters? It would also be nice if rooftop access is confirmed for these new buildings.

    Elric from EastVan asked 5 months ago

    The window systems are required to meet the energy targets in the current building code typically feature double (or in some cases triple) glazing and improved sealing that help to reduce noise infiltration compared to old window system in existing buildings. Heating may be provided by central or distributed units but is integrated into the design in either case.

    The building code does not require specific equipment like air conditioning or floor heating, but it limits the minimum and maximum temperature for a room within each dwelling unit. Cooling can be achieved with air conditioning or passive cooling methods. Active cooling is a more reliable and robust approach to meet the conditions within the current building code.

    Rooftop access is permitted under the zoning.

    More information on the Vancouver Building By-law is available online: Vancouver Building By-law (CBO) | City of Vancouver

Page last updated: 15 May 2026, 11:54 AM